LETTER XXVI.
MYRA to Mrs. HOLMES.
In one of my former letters I
acquainted you that I suspected my brother
to be in love, and now, Madam, I am enabled
to tell you with whom—the amiable
Harriot.
HARRIOT attended Mrs. Francis in her
journey to Rhodeisland, and our young hero
has, in her absence, been dreaming of his
mistress; and, in a letter to her has written
a description of his visionary interview.
Harriot, with whom I maintain a constant
correspondence, and who keeps no secret
from me, inclosed the verses in her laft,
when lo! the hand writing of Master
Har-rington.
I WAS a little mortified that the young
man had kept me in ignorance of his amour
all this time, and this morning determined
upon a little innocent revenge—“Tommy,”
said I, as he entered the room, “here is a
piece of poetry, written by an acquaintance
of mine—I want your judgment on it”—
“Poetry or rhyme,” answered he, advancing
towards me, and casting his eye on it—He
took the letter and began to read—“Why
do you blush, young man?” said I, “Har-riot
is a fine girl.”—
THIS produced an eclaircissement, and as
the matter must remain secret, for a certain
weighty reason, I am to be the confidante.
I MUST acknowledge to you, Mrs. Holmes,
there is a certain je ne sçais quoi in my amiable
friend, that has always interested me in her
favour—I have an affection for her which
comes from the heart—an affection which I
do not pretend to account for—Her depend-ance
on Mrs. Francis hurts me—I do not
think this lady is the gentle, complaifant
being, that she appears to be in company—
To behold so fine a girl in so disagreeable a
situation, might at first attract my commifer-ation
and esteem, and a more intimate know-ledge
of her virtues might have ripened them
into love. Certain it is, however, that whom
I admire as a friend, I could love as a SISTER.
In the feelings of the heart there can be no
dissimulation.
PLEASE to tell Mr. Worthy, he may con-tinue
to write, and that I will condescend to
read his letters.
Farewel!
